Great Lakes Farm Navigator Spotlight: Matthew Browne
Name, Pronouns: Matthew Browne (he/him)
Organization: Lucas Soil & Water Conservation District
Title: H2Ohio Technician
Where in the Great Lakes region do you work?
My office is located in Toledo, Ohio and my primary work focus is in Lucas County. However, the conservation practices I promote and assist with are often part of programs that span the entirety of the Maumee Watershed, the Western Lake Erie Basin, and even the entire state of Ohio.
What brought you to this work? What is your connection to agriculture or to the watershed?
For most of my life I’ve had a connection to conservation in some shape or another. Growing up in Sandusky, Ohio the lake was always a part of the landscape and the condition of the lake was often a topic of conversation. I learned to have a healthy respect for nature and to be cognizant of the effects we had on it. After high school I attended Bowling Green State University and received my BS in Environmental Science with a specialization in Sustainable Management. From there I worked a few ag and environmental related odd jobs before working with the Metroparks of the Toledo Area. There I got hands-on experience working on a variety of conservation related projects. One of my primary jobs was working at a park property where they farm native plants for seed to be used in restoration projects. This property was managed in partnership with the Lucas SWCD. Thus, I had my first connection into the Soil & Water Conservation Districts and the opportunity to work with them. Later I was encouraged to apply to an opening with the SWCD and have been there ever since.
What is your area of expertise? In what ways do you typically work with farmers and farmland owners?
My area of expertise lies primarily in conservation practices and nutrient management. While I don’t have a strong or traditional agriculture background, I understand the nature of agriculture’s effect on the environment and the conservation practices that are used to mitigate any harmful impacts.
My work with farmers is typically done through the various programs that we offer. The main one at this time being the H2Ohio Program, which offers cost-share incentive payments for farmers to implement best management practices such as nutrient management plans, overwintering cover crops, and changes to how they apply nutrients to a field. Through this work I have become proficient with developing nutrient management plans, interpreting soil tests, and judging soil health.
How are you hoping to grow from your experience as a Great Lakes Farm Navigator?
Being a Great Lakes Farm Navigator I hope to expand the resources and expertise that I can offer to the farmers that I work with.
Toledo and its surrounding areas have seen a surge of development on previously farmed land into residential and commercial properties. My organization has expanded its mission to work towards the preservation of farmland in our area. This new line of work will focus on establishing agricultural easements, and through those working with the farmer to begin the discussion of farmland succession and access.
In the past our office has also struggled to connect with traditionally underserved producers. Many of the programs that we manage typically do not fit their operations, so it is important to us to develop resources to offer to the new, small-scale, urban, and underserved farmers in our area.
What is one piece of advice you have for farmers who are looking to transfer their farm to a new generation? Or do you have advice for farmers entering agriculture and seeking access to land?
My general advice that I can give to farmers, whether new or experienced, is to not be intimidated by conservation practices. When working on thin margins I understand the hesitance to change anything or take a risk and try something new. But I can say that they are worth it in the long term, especially with the many programs that offer incentives and cost-share payments for establishing these conservation practices. And don’t feel the need to try everything at once. Start small and build from there. And don’t be discouraged if things don’t work out on your first attempt. Investing in soil health and water quality will bring back gains for you and your community.
